Sangram Singh On India’s MMA Potential After Meeting Carlos Prates

UFC welterweight No. 1 contender Carlos Prates got a taste of Mumbai’s culture, food and sporting passion during his three-day India tour, but his interaction with wrestler-turned-MMA fighter Sangram Singh offered an interesting insight into the growing popularity of mixed martial arts in the country.

From visiting the iconic Gateway of India and trying Mumbai’s famous vada pav to celebrating Diwali with schoolchildren and taking part in a friendly arm-wrestling contest, Prates had a memorable experience during his India visit from November 7 to 9.

Organised by Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV, the tour brought the Brazilian closer to India’s growing UFC fanbase through fan interactions, media engagements and training sessions.

Sangram Singh, who spent two days with the UFC contender, was among the prominent Indian sporting personalities accompanying him during the visit. The two also shared a friendly Panja (arm-wrestling) contest at UFC GYM, where actor and MMA advocate Parvin Dabas was also present.

However, beyond the interactions, Sangram believes the visit was an opportunity to highlight the enormous potential of mixed martial arts in India. Having transitioned from professional wrestling to MMA himself, the Indian wrestler feels the sport could become the country’s next major sporting attraction.

“The next big thing is going to be MMA. Just like the boom in cricket happened, a boom in MMA will come too, though it will take a little more time,” Sangram told myKhel.

Carlos Prates’ Mumbai Visit: Vada Pav, Diwali And A Panja Challenge

Recalling his experience of spending time with Prates, Sangram said he initially did not know much about the Brazilian fighter when Sony Sports Network approached him about the visit.

However, their interaction turned out to be a memorable experience, with the two spending considerable time together and exploring Mumbai.

“I spent two days with Carlos Prates. Sony Network approached me saying that a UFC fighter, who was ranked number one in his division, was coming. Initially, I didn’t know him, but when I met him, it was a very good experience,” Sangram said.

The two visited the Gateway of India, where Prates got an opportunity to experience one of Mumbai’s most iconic landmarks. The Brazilian also tried vada pav, one of the city’s most popular street-food favourites.

Their interaction extended beyond sightseeing and food, with Sangram getting to know more about Prates’ journey into professional fighting.

“He also grew up in very tough circumstances. He told me how he came up through difficult times in Brazil. We had a lot of fun, showed him around and did a lot of things,” Sangram revealed.

The wrestler also shared an amusing conversation about Prates’ smoking habit, which he questioned during their time together.

“He told me he had been smoking since he was 13 or 14 years old. I told him, ‘Brother, in my opinion, this isn’t advisable. Try to quit.’ But he replied, ‘This is my signature style in the UFC,'” Sangram recalled.

Prates’ visit also coincided with Diwali, giving him an opportunity to experience India’s festive traditions. He received a traditional welcome and was presented with branded fireworks to mark the occasion.

The Brazilian also visited a school, where children introduced him to cricket before joining them for a friendly game. He later met India’s first UFC athlete to win on her debut, Puja Tomar, and interacted with fans during a special session at UFC GYM.

One of the entertaining moments came when Sangram introduced Prates to Panja, India’s traditional arm-wrestling contest, with the two taking each other on in a friendly challenge.

Sangram Singh Predicts India’s Rise In MMA

Having experienced MMA at an international level, Sangram believes India has the potential to become one of the leading countries in the sport.

He pointed out that combat sports, particularly MMA, have considerable appeal among India’s younger generation, even though the discipline is yet to develop the kind of mainstream following enjoyed by cricket.

The Indian wrestler believes that with more opportunities, professional leagues and better training facilities, the country could make rapid progress.

“I feel that at the rate MMA is growing in the country right now, in the next four to five years, we can reach the top five or top three,” he said.

Sangram also believes that the growing interest among youngsters, coupled with the inclusion of MMA in the Asian Games programme for the first time, could provide a significant boost to the sport in India.

He cited his own transition from wrestling to MMA as an example of how athletes from traditional sporting backgrounds can explore opportunities in combat sports.

Sangram revealed that he first came across MMA after returning to wrestling following a break of five to six years. An interaction with the Sheikh of Sharjah in Dubai introduced him to the possibility of pursuing the discipline.

He subsequently made his MMA debut in the Gama International Fighting Championship against a Pakistani opponent, winning the contest.

The experience opened up further opportunities, including international competitions in Europe, Argentina and other regions. He also recalled winning a title at the MMA Asia Championship in Kuala Lumpur.

Why Sangram Singh Believes Wrestling Is The Key To MMA Success

While Sangram is optimistic about India’s MMA future, he believes aspiring fighters need to develop a strong foundation in wrestling to compete at the highest level.

According to the Haryana-born athlete, wrestling plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of MMA contests, particularly when fights move to the ground.

“In my opinion, 80 per cent of MMA is wrestling. You might land a punch or kick standing up, but once you get caught on the ground by a wrestler, they will finish you,” he told myKhel.

He believes youngsters entering the sport must understand the importance of grappling instead of relying only on striking techniques.

“To become a good fighter in this sport, you must know wrestling. Without wrestling, it is tough. To become a big player in combat sports, you have to learn wrestling too,” Sangram said.

He also expressed concern about young fighters entering professional competitions without developing the necessary technical skills, arguing that experienced opponents can exploit those weaknesses.

For Sangram, India’s MMA growth will depend on producing technically sound fighters who can compete against the best in the world rather than simply increasing participation.

Sangram Singh’s Message To Young Athletes: ‘My Fights Are Not About Winning Or Losing’

Despite being in his 40s, Sangram continues to compete in MMA, and he believes his journey can inspire younger athletes to pursue their sporting ambitions.

The wrestler explained that his motivation to continue fighting goes beyond personal achievements and results. He wants youngsters to see that age should not become a barrier to pursuing their dreams.

“My competing right now isn’t about winning or losing; it’s for all those kids who have the dream of sports in their eyes. When I can do it in my 40s, at 40-45, then they can easily do it in their 30s, 20s or at 18. They should come forward for sports, fitness and health,” he said.

Sangram believes India’s sporting ecosystem could benefit significantly if more youngsters from humble backgrounds get opportunities to pursue professional careers in combat sports.

He also feels the growing financial incentives associated with international competitions could encourage more athletes to consider MMA as a serious career option.

Sangram Singh On What Indian Athletes Can Learn From Foreign Competitors

Beyond technical abilities, Sangram believes Indian athletes need to improve their approach to training, nutrition and professional discipline.

Drawing from his experiences of competing internationally and interacting with foreign athletes, he said their commitment to preparation was one of the biggest differences he had observed.

“One of the biggest things is that foreign athletes are very honest and dedicated about everything – their practice, their diet, everything. Our athletes tend to cut corners and are not completely honest with themselves. You have to become a bit more like that if you want to be a big athlete,” he said.

Sangram also had a message for athletes who achieve success at the highest level, stressing the importance of remaining grounded.

“Stay humble, aim high,” he said, recalling his interactions with Olympic champions from other countries who have maintained humility despite their achievements.

He also raised concerns about the way Indian athletes are managed after winning medals, criticising the tendency of commercial organisations to surround successful sportspersons before distancing themselves when their performances decline.

“The moment a kid wins a medal, companies surround them and isolate them. They keep them away from the public for three or four years, and then when their downfall comes, the companies abandon them and run away. The poor athlete is left stranded,” Sangram said.

For the Indian wrestler-turned-MMA athlete, developing a successful sporting culture requires more than producing champions. Athletes must receive consistent support, professional guidance and opportunities throughout their careers.

As MMA continues to gain attention in India, Sangram believes the country has the talent and enthusiasm to make a significant impact on the global stage. His interaction with Carlos Prates has only strengthened his belief that mixed martial arts could be the next major sporting opportunity for Indian youngsters.